About Hotel des Mille Collines
Film-star status is just one of several reasons to stay at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
For a city-centre international hotel, that’s quite a claim, but this is the hotel that starred in the film Hotel Rwanda, set during the 1994 genocide.
Movie credentials aside, the hotel’s central location is also key for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while – with the capital at the hub of the country’s tourism network – it’s a good stopping off point before, during or at the end of a trip.
Beautiful gardens add to the hotel’s appeal, surrounding a large swimming pool where sunloungers are the perfect spot to indulge in a drink or snack from the thatched pool bar.
Indulgence comes in the form of rungus too: traditional wooden clubs used in the small spa to soothe away the aches of a long journey.
Dine alfresco on the terrace, or seek out the more classy restaurant, with panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Kigali. Then, for a touch of panache, head for the cocktail bar, where live jazz is served up at weekends.
If the hotel’s 112 rooms are on the bland side, they are spacious and comfortable, but for real style head to the foyer, overlooking the gardens, where colourful artwork brings life to the whole.
Our view
The Hotel des Mille Collines is a relatively standard, slightly anonymous, international hotel. Efforts have clearly been made to keep it up to date, although we felt that the rooms could benefit from refurbishment. We wouldn’t always mention a hotel like this for our travellers, but it offers a good standard of comfort and service and is fairly economically priced, so is worth consideration for an overnight stop.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
112 rooms
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
Cultural excursion
Traveller reviews of Hotel des Mille Collines
70 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Hotel des Mille Collines: Our full report
Set in large gardens in the heart of Kigali, the four-star Hotel des Mille Collines features in the film Hotel Rwanda.
As in the film, the hotel attracts a largely business clientele, but its location also makes it a good base for exploring the Rwandan capital.
Walking into the Mille Collines' reception area, you feel as if you are in a chic international hotel. Stylish monochrome sofas are backed by designer wallpaper, colourful artwork and beautiful views over the gardens. From this modern interior, guests would hardly believe the role that the hotel played during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, as 1,268 people took refuge within its walls.
The Mille Collines' 112 spacious rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, without being luxurious. All have private bathrooms, satellite televisions, PC hook-ups and most other standard hotel amenities, but on our most recent visit in 2019 we felt that they appeared a little dated and bland, in contrast to the smart foyer.
Outside, overlooking the city, the hotel’s beautiful gardens feature a large swimming pool surrounded by an extensive patio set with sunloungers. In the adjacent small spa you can enjoy a massage: perhaps one using traditional wooded clubs called rungus to soothe aching muscles.
The bars and restaurants at the Hotel des Mille Collines cover many options:
- La Terrasse, as its name suggests, is set on a large terrace from where you can see the gardens and pool beyond. Buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner feature a wide range of hot and cold dishes.
- Le Panorama opens every evening and offers a ‘gourmet’ dining experience. It is particularly pretty at night with the large windows giving panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Kigali.
- The Legacy Lounge is a sophisticated bar serving a range of drinks and cocktails. Come here on a Friday or Saturday evening and you can enjoy live jazz music.
- Lieu de Vie is a relaxed pool bar serving up a range of tasty snacks and drinks, and known for some of the best kebabs in Kigali (we confirm that they are indeed very good!).
Since Kigali lies in the centre of Rwanda, and is at the hub of the country’s road network, an extended visit to the country could well involve an overnight stay here. If time allows, we highly recommend a visit to the city’s new and insightful Genocide Museum. Not only does it detail the history of Rwanda's genocide, but it also documents the history of genocide around the world, resulting in a very moving experience.
Geographics
- Location
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend spending one or two nights here in order to explore Kigali.
- Directions
- The Mille Collines is in the centre of Kigali, about 6 km from the international airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Meals at La Terrasse are normally served as a buffet style, with a range of hot and cold dishes, but it is also possible to order from an à la carte menu.
On our last visit, in 2019, breakfast was a selection of fresh fruit, cereals and breads, along with various hot dishes and the option of eggs cooked to order.
For lunch we tucked in to a plate of fish in a lightly curried sauce accompanied by rice and fresh vegetables. For dessert we enjoyed a selection of mini deserts and cakes from the buffet.
We ate dinner at the casual pool side bar-restaurant, listening to the live band that was playing. We enjoyed Borchettes (kebabs) and plantain chips.
With all meals were impressed with the quality and variety on offer, as well as the friendly service from restaurant staff. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- 24-hour room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water is provided in the rooms. Alcoholic drinks cost around 3,000 Rwandan francs (USS$1.20) for a beer and around 4,000 Rwandan francs (US$1.60) for a glass of wine.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Highchairs and cots are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- This is a fairly standard international hotel, and there are no specific facilities for children. There is however a nice pool which older children can enjoy. The pool is not fenced, and there are no pool depth markings or 'No Diving' signs - children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
- Notes
- We recommend that children are supervised when using the pool.
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There are DSTVs in all rooms.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are first-aid trained. There is also a large hospital in Kigali.
Swimming Pool warning: Guests should be aware that the swimming pool has no pool depth markings or 'No Diving' signs, and use of the pool is at guests' own risk. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is 24 hour security around the hotel. the property is gated, and there is airport style scanner at the entrance.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all areas.
Activities
Cultural excursion
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is at an extra cost of around 2,000 Rwandan francs (US$0.80) per item.
- Money
- There are electronic safes in all rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- The Hotel des Mille Collines accepts all major currencies including US dollars, GB pounds and euros. Major credit cards are accepted, including Mastercard and Visa.
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Hotel des Mille Collines's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Hotel des Mille Collines.
Excursions from Hotel des Mille Collines
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Hotel des Mille Collines. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
Half day
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.
More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
Half day
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.
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Heaven Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and great-value option for a stopover in Kigali, or as a longer stay to explore Rwanda's capital city.
The Retreat
Heaven Retreat is the luxurious and stylish sister hotel of Heaven Boutique, and makes for a great stopover, or a base to explore Kigali.
Kigali Marriott Hotel
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Kigali Radisson Blu
The Kigali Radisson Blu is only a short drive from the airport and offers a comfortable base in Kigali.
When to go to Kigali
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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